Another M1 garand

[wolfe]

I bought a Springfield M1 Garand at auction on January 1. Nice rifle, doesn't appear to be refinished, all the parts are springfield, has the cartouche on the pistol grip (a P with partial circle). 1943 to 1944 serial number.

My question is this. On the stock just below the sling swivel there appears to be a number 6 in white paint. From the font of the numbering it looks to be pretty old. Any idea what this number 6 is for...

I know nothing about historical firearms but I love to collect guns period.

Thanks

 

[PRD1]

It is likely a 'rack number'...

painted-on by the using organization or unit, so that the armorer could tell at a glance which weapons were present and which were 'out'. It was also useful to the soldier, who could pick out his 'own' rifle without checking the serial number.
In later years, some units used plastic 'Dymo' labels for the same purpose.
PRD1 - mhb - Mike

 

[wolfe]

That is what I thought it might be. Any idea if it adds anything to the rifle or just a neat piece to have?

 

[crazy-mp]

if you had 1-5 to the left and 7-20 on the right it would be a great piece of American History as long as you have the rack to store them in.

Its not going to add hundreds of dollars, but it is neat.

 

[wolfe]

All I wanted to hear. Thanks to everyone...

I'll never sell the thing, just like to know.

 

[Orlando]

They are actually pretty common, doesnt add anything as far as value

 

[wolfe]

Hey, got another M1 Garand question. I finally got some 30-06 shells loaded for it and got to fire it tonight. Had an issue cycling rounds.

First few were fine and then it was like a bolt action between shots.

Could my powder charge be the issue? I know this isn't the handloading forum but I was using H4895 and used a 46 +/- grain charge. I was more precise than that when I loaded them.

Fun to shoot. I'm going to buy a box of factory ammo and see if it cycles better. Then I'll know.

Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Hacker15E]

Be careful with commercial factory Springfield '06 ammo -- it develops too much pressure for the Garand gas system, and can result in damage to the operating rod and piston.

 

[docnyt]

Don't use "factory" ammo unless you have one of those gas ventilating screws.

Read through this trouble shooting article.

http://www.garandgear.com/m1-garand-failure-to-cycle

Interesting read on why not to use factory ammo and possible solutions.

http://www.garandgear.com/index.php...mercial-ammunition-in-your-m1-garand&catid=39

 

[Orlando]

Is gas screw tight?
You need to do a complete tear down/ clean and properly lube with grease, also replace the Op Rod spring with one from Orion 7
Fire rifle again and report back

 

[wolfe]

They aren't factory cartridges. The are my personal loads.. It has been stripped and cleaned and lubed but I havn't done anything with the gas screw..

Thanks

 

[Orlando]

Check to make sure the gas screw is tight, I use a 1/4 inch drive extension on a ratchet

A weak Op Rod spring can affect timing, I would also replace it if its the original
Stay away from Wolff Op Rod springs as they are extra power and can cause short stroking

Really need more of a extact description of what the rifle was doing

 

[wolfe]

Got off the first 3 or 4 rounds without an issue and then it would fire and not eject the shell. Bolt wasn't coming back far enough.

I need to educate myself on the gas block system a little more.

Thanks

 

[Orlando]

OK its short stroking
#1 cracked or loose gas screw
#2 undersized gas piston
#3 worn gas cylinder

I would check #1, if it is good get a new Op Rod spring, a weak spring will affect timing. As there are less rds in the enbloc there is less pressure against the spring and can cause this problem

 

[wolfe]

Am I hurting the value if I put in an adjustable gas plug?

If not which replacement adjustable gas plug is the best?

 

[Orlando]

How would that hurt the value? It is removeable

 

[wolfe]

Just checking. I figured as long as I kept the original I should be OK, just checking..

Thanks